BERNARD JOSEPH DESCHAMPS

Bernard Joseph Deschamps, 85, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 20, 2006 at his residence.
Bernard was born June 3, 1920 in Penetanguishene, Ont. to the late James and Rosanna Deschamps. During the Second World War, Bernard served overseas and was injured.
Upon his discharge from the services, Bernard returned to Fort Frances, where he had lived since.
On June 3, 1946, he was united in marriage to the former Mary Ducatt.
In his earlier years, Bernard worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Fort Frances. He later was employed at La Verendrye General Hospital, where he worked for many years until his retirement in 1974.
Bernard was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29. He cherished his time with his family and friends, and throughout the years enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening.
Special thanks to his grandson and caregiver, Michael Thayer.
He was predeceased by one daughter, Sandra Thayer; three brothers, James, Alfred, and Phillip Deschamps; and three sisters, Marie Deschamps, Hilda Ducatt, and Irene Unger.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Mary Deschamps of Fort Frances, Ont.; five children, Leslie Deschamps and wife, Lorraine, of Salmon, Arm, B.C., Richard Deschamps and wife, Dianne, of Dryden, Ont., David Deschamps of Winnipeg, Man., Debra and husband, Lealand Nicholson, of International Falls, Mn., and Charles Deschamps and Susan Radul of Fort Frances, Ont.; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are one sister, Theresa Deschamps of Fort Frances, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Fr. Francis Pudicherry will officiate, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Colour Guard will provide their tribute during the service.
Friends may visit Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Parish prayers will be offered at 7 p.m., led by Fr. Francis Pudicherry.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 209 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B9 or c/of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.